Vergina & Pella
Excursions
- 80-90
- 8 hours
- Limited to 160 participants
Pella, located on the shores of Lake Loudias, was founded by King Archelaos, and soon developed into an important port. It was the seat of both Alexander the Great and his father Philip II, during which time it became the location of palaces and luxurious private homes. For 250 years, it was the cultural centre of the Greek world. Playwright Euripides came here to see his plays produced and performed, and Aristotle was appointed to educate young Alexander.
The city was destroyed by what is believed to have been an earthquake in around the 1st century BC and was eventually rebuilt over its ruins. Archaeological excavations began in 1957 and uncovered a series of artefacts. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, which features a rich collection of clay figurines, along with classic black and red-figured vases, pebble floor mosaics and a reconstruction of the interior of a Greek house with its stucco decoration. We then continue to the archaeological site to see excavations of large Greek houses with central courtyards. We can walk along the streets facing shops in the large market, and admire the floor mosaics, which are still evident today.
Next we proceed to Veria, where we shall visit the Church of the Christ, which dates from the 14th century AD, and St Paul’s Tribune, from where the saint is said to have preached when he visited the city. Lunch will be served here in Veria, overlooking the immense valley of River Aliakmon.
Feeling refreshed, we continue to Vergina, the first ancient capital of ancient Macedon. Vergina came to worldwide attention due to the discovery of the site of ancient Aigai, which was once the royal capital of ancient Macedon. Amongst the findings here were the tombs of the royal dynasty, including those believed to be of King Philip II and Alexander IV, the son of Alexander the Great, which were uncovered in the 1970s. An underground building was built in 1993 to protect the royal tombs and their treasures.
Upon arrival in Vergina, we visit the museum, where we will see the royal tombs and also view some of King Philip’s most important possessions, including the king’s shield and gold-trimmed breast plate. According to legend, the gold chest containing the king’s bones was washed with wine and wrapped in purple cloth. During our visit, we can learn how the tomb was uncovered. Amongst other items on display are gold diadems, lavish wall paintings and a golden wreath of oak leaves, which have all been conserved thanks to the constant temperature and humidity offered by the underground building.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking. There are approximately two hours of walking at Pella, one hour at Veria and one and a half hours at Vergina. Uneven ground and some steps will be encountered. Unfortunately it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Passengers are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the berth of our ship, there may be a walk of up to 100 metres from the ship to the tour coaches, and vice versa. Please note that flash photography is not permitted at the museums. Places of interest may be visited in a different order to that described.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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